Why Media must Partner ICPC on fight against corruption. By John Dike
The media has been enjoined to join hands in fight against corruption as this is the only way Nigerian can be better .
The commissioner of Independent Corrupt practices and other related offense Commission ICPC in Osun State Mr Demola Bakare while addressing members of Correspondent Chapel during his familiarization visit .
Bakare who said media being the fourth Estate of the realm must join the fight against corruption and corrupt practices if indeed the quest of yearning better nation and development would be realistic .
According to ICPC boss one of its core mandate is to monitor federal government projects and ensure that and ensure it block all leakages that resulting to corruption.
While saying the agency work in collaboration with other sister forces disclosed that it has become necessary to carry the media along in whatever they undergoing
The duties of the Commission are contained in section 6 (a-f) of the Act 2000. This section confers 3 main responsibilities on ICPC. In summary, they are:
“To receive and investigate reports of the conspiracy to commit, attempt to commit or actual commission of offence(s) as prescribed by the Act 2000 and in appropriate cases prosecute the offender(s).
“Also to examine and review corruption-prone systems and procedures of public bodies, with a view to eliminating or
minimizing corruption.
“To educate and enlighten the public on and against corruption and related offences with a view to enlisting and fostering public support in fighting” he stated
On the japa syndrome, where many Nigerian Youths are moving out the country in search of greener pasture abroad ,ICPC commissioner said Nigeria is a better country saying youths travelling out the country are doing so because get -quick-rich syndrome
His words “Yes we hear about the japa syndrome by many Nigerian especially the Youths but their mission is just to make quick money .Nigeria is good country we all need to make it better so moving out of the country is never a solution but all hands must be on deck to fight corruption and possibly eradicate it .
Earlier ,the Chairman of Correspondent Chapel Mr Sina Abubakar commended the ICPC boss for paying courtesy visit to the chapel realising the important of the media in quest to fight corruption in the land .
He said going by the background of the Mr Bakare who was once a media professional before joining the Agency ,hinted that the media will continued to play its constitutional role of being watchdog of the society .
Abubakar ,however assure the commission that journalist will give adequate publicity to the commission urging him to avail them necessary information any need arises .
